Malawi to repatriate citizens from South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant violence
via The Citizen4 min read
Malawi has initiated a voluntary repatriation program for its nationals in South Africa due to increased violent attacks targeting African migrants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that this initiative is for citizens who have formally requested assistance, with logistical details to be finalized. The ministry has been closely monitoring reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks, and its High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate-General in Johannesburg are in contact with Malawian diaspora leaders to offer support. Diplomatic engagements with South African authorities have been positive, with Malawi commending South Africa for taking steps to address concerns. Consular support is being arranged for affected Malawians. This development follows recent protests in multiple South African provinces where demonstrators threatened foreign nationals and their property. Organizations leading these protests, such as March and March, have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. African ambassadors previously boycotted South Africa's Africa Day celebrations, citing safety concerns for foreign nationals amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Violent anti-immigration protests have occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape, with foreign nationals, including refugees and children, seeking police protection in Durban.
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